The NBA’s new 65-game rule has created a commotion amongst players, coaches, fans, and now, apparently, one network executive as well.
According to a recent article in The Athletic, an executive who works with one of the big networks has reached out to NBA commissioner Adam Silver about his frustration with big-name stars sitting out during games.
“One top network executive, who was granted anonymity so he could speak freely, worked for one of the two companies that has a rights deal with the league and reached out to Silver to express his displeasure. He was frustrated that the league’s star players were sitting out marquee broadcasts,” reported Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.
An anonymous network executive expressed frustration to Adam Silver about star players missing key televised games, per @TheAthletic
“One top network executive, who was granted anonymity so he could speak freely, worked for one of the two companies that has a rights deal with… pic.twitter.com/AsiNsT2YkQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 28, 2024
There seems to be no solution to the issue of load management in the NBA. The league implemented the 65-game rule which deems players must play that many game to be eligible for the MVP award, All-NBA team, All-Defensive team and other awards. Players are supposed to play 20 mins minimum per game.
The new ruling agreed on by the NBA and players association was supposed to help limit injuries and fatigue but it seems to be having an opposite effect. Some players like Tyrese Haliburton have complained about playing injured in order to qualify for the awards. Former MVP Nicola Jokic of the Denver Nuggests has also been critical of the new rule.
NBA players make a lot of money to play a game they love and a hefty chunk of that comes from the big networks. The pressure will be on Adam Silver to find a solution that suits all parties involved.
